Onam 2024: Date, Time, Rituals, History, and Significance of Kerala’s Biggest Festival

Onam 2024: Dates, Rituals, History, and Significance

Onam, the grand and vibrant festival of Kerala, is celebrated with great joy and enthusiasm across the state. It marks the harvest season and the return of the mythical King Mahabali. The festival is not only an expression of Kerala's rich cultural heritage but also a time for families to come together, celebrate, and feast. In 2024, Onam celebrations will take place from Friday, September 6, to Sunday, September 15.

Onam 2024 Date and Time

• Onam Start Date: Friday, September 6, 2024
• Onam End Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024
• Main Onam Day (Thiruvonam): Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Each day of Onam has its own unique significance and rituals:

• Day 1 - Atham: The festival begins with the preparation of the Pookalam, and the atmosphere starts to build with prayers and rituals.
• Day 2 - Chithira: People clean their homes, and the Pookalam design grows larger.
• Day 3 - Chodhi: New clothes (Onakkodi) are purchased, and the Pookalam continues to expand.
• Day 4 - Vishakam: Preparations for the grand feast begin, and markets are bustling with activity.
• Day 5 - Anizham: The famous Snake Boat Races (Vallamkali) are conducted.
• Day 6 - Thriketa: Families begin to gather, and the celebrations intensify.
• Day 7 - Moolam: Traditional dance performances like Kaikottikali and Pulikali are held.
• Day 8 - Pooradam: The Pookalam grows to its largest, and the final touches are added.
• Day 9 - Uthradam: Known as the Onam Eve, families prepare for the grand feast.
• Day 10 - Thiruvonam: The main day of celebration, with the grand Onasadya feast, worship, and festivities.

Onam is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, revolving around the legend of King Mahabali, a benevolent ruler who was loved by his people. According to the legend, Mahabali’s reign was characterized by peace, prosperity, and equality. However, his growing influence and popularity made the gods anxious, as they feared he would overshadow them.

To curb Mahabali’s power, Lord Vishnu took the form of Vamana, a dwarf Brahmin, and approached Mahabali. Vamana requested three paces of land, to which the king generously agreed. Lord Vishnu then expanded to a massive size, covering the earth and sky in two steps, leaving no room for the third. Mahabali, realizing Vamana’s divine nature, humbly offered his head for the third step. As a reward for his devotion and generosity, Mahabali was granted permission to return to his kingdom once a year. Onam celebrates this annual return of King Mahabali to Kerala.

Onam Festival Significance

Onam holds immense cultural and religious importance for the people of Kerala. It signifies the harvest season and is seen as a time to thank nature for its abundance. The festival also reinforces the values of unity, equality, and prosperity, as the story of Mahabali epitomizes a golden era where everyone was treated equally, and there was no poverty or sorrow.

The festival is celebrated by all communities in Kerala, regardless of religion, making it a secular celebration. Onam symbolizes the spirit of togetherness, with families reuniting and communities coming together to participate in various events, games, and rituals.

Onam Rituals and Traditions

Onam is celebrated with a series of rituals and festivities over ten days, culminating in the main day, Thiruvonam. Some of the key rituals and traditions of Onam include:

1. Pookalam (Floral Rangoli)
One of the most visually striking aspects of Onam is the creation of Pookalam, intricate floral designs made on the ground using fresh flowers. Every day, new layers of flowers are added to the Pookalam, symbolizing the welcoming of King Mahabali.

2. Onasadya (Onam Feast)
The grand feast, Onasadya, is an integral part of Onam. It consists of a lavish spread of traditional Kerala dishes, served on banana leaves. Onasadya can include up to 26 different items, including rice, sambar, avial, thoran, and a variety of pickles and sweets like payasam. The feast signifies abundance and the spirit of sharing, as families and communities come together to enjoy the meal.

3. Vallamkali (Snake Boat Race)
The Vallamkali or Snake Boat Race is one of the most famous attractions during Onam. Long, traditional boats (called Chundan Vallams) race across Kerala’s backwaters, accompanied by rhythmic boat songs. The race is a thrilling spectacle and draws large crowds from around the world.

4. Onakkodi (New Clothes)
As part of the tradition, people wear new clothes called Onakkodi during Onam. It is customary to gift new clothes to family members, especially the younger generation, symbolizing the renewal of life and prosperity.

5. Kaikottikali (Thiruvathira Kali)
Traditional dance forms like Kaikottikali (a group dance performed by women) are an integral part of the Onam celebrations. Dancers dressed in traditional attire move in a circle, gracefully performing rhythmic steps in sync with traditional music.

6. Pulikali (Tiger Dance)
The Pulikali or Tiger Dance is a vibrant folk art form performed during Onam, where men paint themselves as tigers and dance to the beats of drums. It is an energetic and joyful performance that adds excitement to the Onam festivities.

7. Athachamayam
The festival begins with the grand procession of Athachamayam, which commemorates the victory of King Mahabali. The procession features beautifully decorated elephants, folk dances, and musicians, reflecting the cultural diversity of Kerala.